#PositiveB31 Community rallies to support Frankley house fire family

Local people have come forward to help a Frankley family who lost everything in a house fire last week (Wednesday 6th July), many of them complete strangers.

Everything destroyed in fire

Single dad Frank Campbell and 5 of his children – Sheleka, Tamara, Celeste, Lanceford & Precious (14-20) – have had to move out of their home after the fire. The fire was started upstairs in the property by a mobile phone charger, causing fire and smoke damage to all their belongings throughout the upstairs and water damage downstairs. Thankfully, no-one was hurt in the blaze.

‘Pillar of his community’

Frank teaches GKR Karate to all ages at Deelands Hall in Rubery, Allens Cross Community Centre in Northfield and Oddingley Hall in West Heath.

Family friend Natasha Dawson wrote on her crowdfunding page: “Frank Campell is a pillar of his community. He volunteers four days a week teaching children and adults Karate under the umbrella of GKR Karate.

“Not only does he teach but he also goes above and beyond for his students, offering them both emotional and physical support. He has steered many of our children away from mischief, directing their energy into something that has taught them respect, discipline, self-worth and confidence.”

Donations and support

Maria, who runs Oddingley Hall Community Centre, started a collection of items for the family after being approached by friend Sarah McBride. Household items from towels to beds have been donated.

Many people on the B31 Voices Facebook page pledged to drop items in to Oddingley Hall to help the family. Jane Williams, the Community Champion at Morrisons Rubery, has offered the family £50 of underwear and pyjamas etc to help.

If you have any items you would like to donate, you can take them to Oddingley Hall, to see if they can be used. The hall will be open to collect donated items on Monday 11th July between 5pm and 7pm. You can contact Wychall Farm Family Club at Oddingley via their Facebook page.

If you would like to offer a cash donation to help the family, a donation page has been set up by family friend Natasha Dawson.

Thank you

The Campbells said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the help and support that we have been given, thank you just isn’t enough. We are so blessed to have you in our lives.”

Maria from Oddingley Hall said: “The response is overwhelming. What a great community we live in.”

A massive THANK YOU to you all! We wish all the best for Frank and his family.